As Cat Ownership Rises in India, Are Pet Food Companies Catching Up?
Cat ownership in India is on the rise, driven by Gen Z and Millennials. Yet pet food companies lag behind in innovation & initiatives.
Dogs have long dominated India’s pet care industry. But the winds are shifting. Cat ownership is rising sharply, especially among Gen Z and Millennial pet parents in urban metros. From Bengaluru to Delhi, multi-cat households are becoming more common, and a new “Cat Dad” demographic is reshaping perceptions of pet parenting.
Yet, many companies seem slow to adapt.
A recent survey among Indian pet food professionals revealed that, despite the surge in cat ownership, many reported no primary strategy change to capture this opportunity.
Rising Cat Ownership
Cat adoption has been fuelled by apartment-friendly lifestyles, lower maintenance needs compared to dogs, and an increasing acceptance of cats as indoor companions. The growth is robust among younger professionals and nuclear families.
Product Development – Still Playing Catch-Up
While 45% of companies are developing new cat food products, nearly 36% are “watching trends” without action. With demand shifting from basic kibble to premium wet food, treats, and functional nutrition, this caution may leave gaps for agile new entrants.
Multi-Cat Household Opportunity
Urban Indian households are increasingly moving from single-cat to multi-cat families. Forward-looking brands are experimenting with:
- Life-stage formulas (kitten, adult, and senior cats in one home).
- Variety packs and flavour assortments reduce mealtime monotony.
- Bulk packs for cost-conscious multi-cat owners.
Still, 30% of companies report no strategy for this fast-growing segment.
The “Cat Dad” Factor
The idea of male cat parents—particularly among Gen Z and Millennials—is breaking stereotypes. However, most Indian brands remain hesitant. Over 50% have no specific strategy to engage this demographic. A few are testing digital-first approaches, including featuring male pet parents in ads or collaborating with male influencers in the pet space.
What This Means for Brands
The Indian pet food market is at an inflection point. Cat owners are demanding more variety, better quality, and relatable representation. Brands that:
- Invest in cat-specific product innovation.
- Cater to multi-cat households, and
- Acknowledge new pet parent demographics
We will be better placed to capture a share in this rapidly expanding category.
The message is clear: In India’s pet food evolution, cats can no longer be treated as an afterthought.
